Plans revealed to revitaliseneglected town centre site

An exhibition is planned for Wednes day, March 2, at which Cupar Development Trust will display its proposals for 34 affordable homes and nine business units in the town’s conservation area.

The plans, which focus on the vacant and derelict property to the rear of Crossgate, include the notorious Bonnygate ‘gap site’, left following the demolition of a dangerous building.

This is the first initiative by Cupar Development Trust and was drawn up in conjunction with Fife Council, Kingdom Housing Association and the long-established family business Fisher and Donaldson.

Cupar-based Arc Architects have drawn up the plans, which will be on display in the Corn Exchange between 3pm and 6pm for residents and local businesses to comment.

Jim McLeish, trustee on Cupar Development Trust, said: “Our aim is to promote improvements which lead to long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.

“This proposal addresses these issues, and could help to transform Cupar town centre.

“Activity associated with the new businesses and residents will enliven areas adjacent to George Inn Pend. We then anticipate that neighbouring owners will invest in upgrading their buildings.

“The partners will need to consider, in the next stage, how the development will be funded,” continued Mr McLeish.

“The views of the public will be important. Following the Corn Exchange event, the plans will be on display on the ground floor of County Buildings in St Catherine Street for another week. Details of the proposal will also be made available on the Cupar Development Trust website www.CuparDevTrust.org.uk. Feedback will be most welcome.”

Tom Morton, principal architect with Arc Architects, commented: “The design demonstrates how 34 dwellings and nine business units can be sensitively stitched into the conservation area in a mix of refurbished stone property and new buildings.”